Review: 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at NVCC

“Anything is possible in this world of pure imagination, if we can let go of our realities for just one night, and let our dreams become realities -- once upon a time.” - Sasha Bratt

Waterbury, CT - The Naugatuck Valley Community College Theater Production Company presented ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by William Shakespeare this weekend in their Playbox Theatre on the Waterbury campus. I was happy that there was an available seat at the final matinee performance for me to avail at what turned out to be a sold-out closing performance.

Director Sasha Bratt writes in his program notes that the setting of the NVCC production of ‘Midsummer’ is a world of imagination, and notes that the comedy is “a fairy tale, both in the woods and out of them.” Shakespeare’s lovely work invites us to play, to explore and wonder in this world turned upside down. The students in this magical version of the classic play displayed plenty of imagination in their performances, costumes by Lisa Bebey, and the set designed by Bill Cone with Will Jeffries as Master Carpenter.

The creative touches on this show were everywhere, from the scrollwork on the wooden set pieces, to the fun contemporary musical touches, to the detailed hair and makeup. These imaginative punches no doubt made it more enjoyable for both young and old people in the packed audience. Kudos to the NVCC students that came out to support their classmates; they laughed at all the right places and cheered at the curtain call.

The men in the Athenian court wore wide, brightly colored suits. Alex (Mickey) Perez commanded the role of the duke (Theseus,) Brendan Green was Egus and Anthony Lacerenza got to be the Philostrate. David Muniz was the domineering father Demetrius. Brianna Mattingly was the statuesque Hippolyta in a purple embellished cape.

The Athenian lovers included Samantha Mankowski as the taller Helena and Kat Lynch as the smaller Hermia. Demetrius was played by David Munix in a bright blue suit and Damian Luciano was Lysander in school boy knickers.

The fairies were dressed in a wide variety of most creative costumes. Joe Lowndes was the imposing King Oberon in a great white long coat and Fallon Dignan was lythe and lovely in the role of Puck/Robin Goodfellow. Ms. Dignan is a dance major and it showed in her lyrical performance. Kathryn Steinbacher was most regal as Titania in her final performance at NVCC as next semester she will be headed to AMDA in New York. Molly Riley was a faire/Rosemary, Marissa Ryan was Cobweb, Taylor Jasmine was Mustardseed, Kate Kelly was Peaseblossom, Edwin Mejia was Moth, Marcus Toureaux was Paprika and Jalon Copeland sang a beautiful rendition of “Hallelujah” as Steve, just Steve.

The hysterical Rude Mechanicals just about stole the show during their scenes. Jack Douglas nailed the physical comedy in the role of Nick Bottom and his fans in the audience appreciated every bit of it. Danny Tarantino was Francis Flute and Thisbe the lady in a shower curtain dress. Kevoy Somerville was not appreciated as the director Peter Quince, but he knew everyone’s lines in the play within a play. Danielle Eitapence had THE best costume as Tom Snout/the Wall and played them to the hilt. Jeremiah Morris played Snug the Joiner and the gentle lion, and Josh Rodis was Robin Starveling the tailor/Moonlight. Joe Mainiero made his mark as the stage manager named Pat, who was constantly being called out from backstage.

Congratulations to the students at NVCC on their great take on a beloved Shakespeare work. It made us laugh and pulled us into the magic of their imaginations.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417